President Donald Trump did not attend the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, continuing his practice from previous years. The event, traditionally a blend of satire and celebrity, took a more subdued tone, focusing on journalism and the First Amendment. The absence of both the president and a comedic host marked a departure from the dinner’s usual format.
Axios reporter Alex Thompson, honored with the Aldo Beckman Award, delivered a speech acknowledging the media’s shortcomings in covering President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Thompson emphasized the need for self-reflection within the press to regain public trust.
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) canceled comedian Amber Ruffin’s scheduled appearance following controversial remarks, opting to forgo the traditional comedic segment. WHCA President Eugene Daniels stated that the focus was on honoring journalistic excellence and supporting future journalists through scholarships and mentorship.
Despite the changes, the dinner remained a significant event for recognizing journalistic achievements. Awards were presented to journalists for excellence in various categories, including coverage under deadline pressure and visual journalism.
